Rustic Style

Hooray!! It’s finally the start of spring. Whether it feels like spring is a different story… It has been a long and hard winter; filled with extremely cold weather, power outages, ice storms, and ZERO snow days. I was even beginning to get tired of skiing.

The exterior of the Mountain home in Salt Lake City that we stayed in 

My family and I love skiing, so last year, we went to the Dear Valley resort in Salt Lake City, and the year before that, we went to Switzerland. I noticed that Switzerland and the Dear Valley Resort were full of charming, rustic chalets.

Rustic Style is mainly found in vacation homes or cottages in rural areas or mountains. The idea of incorporating nature and staying in harmony with the outdoors is the main concept behind this beautiful yet simple style of design.

Part of an old Rustic home in a museum in Bern, Switzerland

The history of Rustic Style dates back to the mid-18^th century. The style was extremely popular in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, when people there led a simple life.  Rustic Style became very popular in Great Britain during the Victorian period, and was also hugely followed in the USA. “Adirondack” was the term used for the furniture there, and it reached its peak in the late twenties.    

Cabins, lodges, bunkhouses, log homes, and cottages usually follow the same characteristics: The exterior is textured, with large windows to bring the outdoors in. The homes are often built with locally available materials such as stone, timbers, cedar shakes, and other wood types. Exterior decoration is minimal.  

Textured exterior (wood) of a Swiss home in the Alps

The interiors are cozy, comfortable, and often feature an eclectic look.  The key element is that rustic style décor is made of natural materials, or finishes in natural colours. The architectural elements, furniture, fixtures, accessories, etc. are usually made of many different textures. The preferred materials are patina and pewter, wrought iron, rusted metals, natural fabric (animal hides, linen, wool, etc.), concrete, stone, rock, and wood. There is something fascinating about wood in the fact that its patterns, variations, colours, and cracks tell its life story. Wood also instantly reminds us of nature, and its simplicity and beauty. 

  

The color palette in Rustic homes is subtle and earthy. Green, gray, brown, taupe, slate, cream, and caramel work well. Walls are textured, and stone or wooden walls are usually exposed. 

The kitchen in the Salt Lake City home, ft. brown, wood cabinets and large windows for natural light

A great fireplace is usually the heart of each rustic home, so having one is an absolute must. Some lighting fixtures include antler chandeliers or a light in a cluster of pinecones. Strong and bulky furniture made of natural sources and unrefined materials are staples. Leather, suede, and soft wool are usually the preferred fabrics in rustic interiors. Flea market finds, reclaimed materials, Folk art and industrial objects are often included. Quilts, hand-made rugs, blankets, and pillows provide a lot of comfort and warmth.

Living room of the Salt Lake city home, ft. large ceilings with exposed beams,  reclaimed materials (coffee table made of old barn floorboards), large windows, rugs and pillows, and a stone  fireplace 

Rustic Style is very popular and easily affordable, and can be combined with other styles as well. Some people enjoy having a simpler and more natural quality of life, so Rustic Style is ideal. Rustic Style is not about possessions and status; but about nature, comfort, and enjoying the simpler things in life. 

Guten tag! xoxo

Art Deco Style

Hello again! Only a few more days till March break ends... but I've managed to have a nice, relaxing week filled with doing absolutely nothing - except blogging of course. 

The Chrysler building, amongst many others built in Art Deco style in NY

Visiting New York was really exciting. Not only was I in one of the busiest and most lively cities in the world, but I also got to see the Empire State building, the Statue of Liberty, and my personal favourite: the Chrysler building, an icon of television series in New York. In this fabulous city, I learned that these amazing buildings were designed in Art Deco style. 

Art Deco sink in a relative's California home

After the 1900 Universal Exposition in Paris, several French artists came together to create the Society of Decorative Artists. This group also organized the 1925 International Exposition of Modern decorative and Industrial Arts. Their goal was to welcome all manufacturers with modern tendencies and artistic production. Art Deco style (1920-1939) was created under this influence, but the name was given when the book “Art Deco of the 20s and 30s” by Bevis Hillier was published in 1968. Art Deco was inspired by Cubism, Art Nouvaeu, and the modern Machinery Age (electricity, skyscrapers, etc.).

Art Deco inspired side table 

Art Deco was the first architectural style that became completely separated from traditional style. Art Deco buildings were avant-gardes for their time, and used zigzags, streamlining, geometric shapes, sunburst designs (on the Chrysler building), and influences from ancient cultures, especially Egypt (the tomb of King Tutankhamen was discovered in 1922 during the Art Deco period). During this time, numerous buildings, theatres, and ocean liners were built in this style. Hotel Royal York and the Avenue/Eglinton Theatre are two of my favourite Art Deco buildings in Toronto.

Art Deco inspired chair

Art Deco interiors were expensive and usually for wealthy people. They were built based on modern paintings of the time, and stepped forms and curved corners were staples. Ceilings, walls, and floors were usually divided by different strips of materials, colours, or light. Glass, leather, Tortoise-shell, exotic woods, and metals were used in furniture and accessories. The furniture was typically sleek, modern, and comfortable. The upholstery was usually velvet or animal skin, and pearl and ivory were incorporated in the furniture and accessories. The colour black was used in abundance to frame objects. Few colours were used in Art Deco interiors, but light blue and grey, with accents of gold or chrome, were usually present. Polished metal, lacquered and rich materials, mirrored accents, glass tops, murals, wooden floors, geometrically shaped patterned rugs were all common. Art Deco lighting was extensive, and lots of light sources were used, but they cast mainly warm orange and yellow colours.

Left: original Art Deco light in Toronto Design Exchange, Right: Art Deco inspired light at 2014 Toronto IDS

Sadly, mass production of Art Deco furniture resulted in less elegant and lower quality products, causing an end to the popularity of Art Deco style (and the beginning of World War II...). Nevertheless, the elegant style of the Art Deco period is reflected in furniture, jewelries, fabrics, glass works (Lalique company was the leader at the time), metal works, paintings, statues, sculptures, posters, graphics, and book illustrations. In fact, many designers still combine Art Deco-inspired pieces with a contemporary view to ground homes in a current day and age. These famous Art Deco buildings and interiors around the world will always keep this glamorous style alive.

I heart NY! xoxo

Victorian Style

Ello there mate! How's your week been? Care for some biscuits and tea?

The historic city of London

A few years ago, I visited London, England. I had the opportunity to see many original Victorian houses and row-houses, and I fell in love with them. The Victorian houses’ symmetrical and often asymmetrical exteriors, ornate trims, textured walls, wooden shingles, and grand chimneys were unforgettable. 

Victorian Interior design commenced after the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain (1837 - 1901 Queen Victoria's era). The invention and progression of machinery made it possible for the middle class to purchase objects that had once belonged to a higher class. Victorian style design originated in this time period, as people became wealthier and began building larger houses. Having a Billiard room, smoking room, or English drawing room for afternoon teas was considered trendy. The dining room was usually the largest room in the house, and there was often a parlor (a more formal room with the best furniture for entertaining). With larger houses came bulkier furniture, and plenty of accessories. People had begun to travel further and more frequently, bringing souvenirs and keepsakes back home from different cultures. 

A Victorian living room in a London flat

Victorian style is eclectic, and is influenced by the style of different eras, such as Greek art, Gothic, French Rococo (curvy and gilded), and Eastern design (large and stuffed exotic furniture). The influence of more than one style could also be found in one piece of furniture.

In the beginning, the Victorian colour palette was restricted. Victorian colours were warm and subdued, and a mix of primary and secondary colours was the popular palette. In the city, darker shades of green, red, and grey were often chosen for the walls (due to pollution and the use of gas lamps). Then the industrial revolution paved way for new techniques, and the production of new materials. A new colour palette was introduced, and included softer and more complex colours, such as pink, mauve and blue. Faux marble finishes, tapestries, patterned wall paper (animals, flowers, landscapes, etc.), and luxurious fabrics were found in the interior of Victorian houses. Ceilings often had stencil work or wood panelling, and some walls were even wood panelled (such as dining rooms or libraries). Wood floors and parquet were ornate with rugs. Velvet, damask, brocades, and large tassels were often used on furniture or curtains for extra glamour. 

My mother's collection of Victorian and Aubusson needlepoint pillows

Victorian interiors were filled, but not cluttered. Decorative pillows, china and glass wear, paintings, ornate picture frames, busts and statues, angels, lace, stained glass, table lamps (especially from Tiffany), fire places, china cabinets, sideboards, and poufs were all abundant indoors. 

Victorian Cranberry and Satin glass in a London flat

All furniture was handcrafted at the start of the 19^th century, but by end of the Victorian era, mass reproduction and imitation became the main furniture industry of the time. Furniture was generally large, detailed, and curvy, with carved motives on it. The preferred wood was mahogany, oak, ebony, and (later on) bamboo. Towards the end of this period, iron garden furniture was also designed. 

Many new furniture pieces were created during this time period, such as a Borne (an oval shaped island bench with back-to-back seats), a Pouf (an upholstered round bench), an Ottoman, a Slipper chair (with low legs), a Vis-à-Vis (S-shaped double chair), a Victorian Balloon-back chair, and a Sleigh- bed.

From top left: a Victorian chair. Top right: a pouf in Opera Garnier, Paris. Bottom left: half of a Vis-à-vis. Bottom right: a Monsieur chair. 

Victorian Interior design is not so popular nowadays, as city living demands a calm, multifunctional space with minimal furniture and accessories. Some Victorian pieces might be incorporated with other furniture in homes, but a house decorated completely in Victorian style is very rare. Nevertheless, it is one of the most romantic, nostalgic and interesting styles of design, as it narrates the social and financial uprising of a specific class after the Industrial Revolution.

Chip chip cheerio! xoxo

Contemporary Style

Hey everyone! 
So, I was born in Toronto and have lived in this fabulous city my entire life. It's one of the best cities in the world, with great people, entertainment, fashion, and of course - restaurants! I can't imagine living anywhere else (except maybe a tiny flat in Paris). Toronto also offers some of the best designers and architects in the world. For example, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is the first building of its kind in Canada! It is a contemporary expression of a traditional auditorium. 

A view of the CN Tower taken from the Four Seasons Centre

Contemporary design changes constantly with time, as it is based on current trends. It can be incorporated into any space, such as a store, an office, or any home. Its use of softer coloured furniture and accessories make it simple, relaxing, and calm.

The architecture and exterior of Contemporary houses are based on the juxtaposition between various textures, materials, and colours. Use of natural materials, low or flat roofs, exposed roof beams, and large windows with lots of natural light are the staples.

IDS 2014 wooden - prefab contemporary micro-house exterior by Solo

Contemporary style is based on shape, color, and space. Line is the distinguishing characteristic of this style. Line can be created with wooden floors, color blocking, high ceilings, and square furniture.

Contemporary kitchen with antique touches 

As opposed to Victorian style, Contemporary style is sleek, clean, bright, and uncluttered. The bare and empty spaces on the walls or between the furniture are as important as the filled places, and help keep the room airy and light. These empty spaces also open up the room, and give the illusion of more space. As a result, each piece of furniture becomes important.

IDS 2014 IKEA'S Contemporary light fixture

The colour palette is white or other neutral colours with hints of bold colours in the furniture or accessories. Black is used to define other colours and the entire spaces in general. In Contemporary settings, modern furniture is popular and is often incorporated. Ornate furniture is not used, and is instead replaced with square-edged furniture. Geometrically shaped, smooth, and simple pieces are used in Contemporary design. Glass, metal, and wood are the common materials used. Leather, linen, wool, cotton, and nabouk are the preferred fabrics. In a Contemporary setting, furniture’s legs are usually exposed, and wall art can be a focal point.

The living room in my Cousin's contemporary Toronto home, ft. large windows, wood flooring, funky art, and low furniture with squared edges and exposed legs.

Contemporary design is one of the most adoptable and flexible styles, and is an eclectic mix of various styles and furniture. One can mix a Chrystal chandelier, a traditional sofa, a midcentury modern chair, and a striking piece of art in the same room with white walls… and Voila!  

Love Toronto, xoxo

P.S. I have 21 cousins if you were wondering!